Political reality for Kentucky Democrats in 2007.

The Courier-Journal does an excellent analysis of the political reality facing Kentucky Democrats in the 2007 Governor's race. In the piece entitled, weak and weaker, the editorial writers confirm that the party is confronted with "a crisis of conscience and a test of judgment". Here is an excerpt: ... Kentucky Democrats ... could embrace the easy alternative of a Greg Stumbo or Steve Henry candidacy. That would only require ignoring Attorney General Stumbo's dubious personal history or looking past Dr. Henry's do-nothing record as lieutenant governor and his blame-shifting in moments of career crisis. Or Democrats could line up behind the Ghost of Elections Past, former Gov. Brereton Jones, thus making things equally easy for Republican opposition researchers. Whatever else he is, Mr. Jones is not the next great thing in Kentucky politics. In fact, he wasn't even the last great thing. The Democrats who ultimately make such choices should do what's right, smart and good for the state by coming together behind candidates for governor and lieutenant governor who offer a fresh start and new leadership. The options are narrowing. U.S. Rep Ben Chandler, D-6th District, could serve as an appealing nominee, but he's curled up in the U.S. Capitol like a contented Cheshire cat and doesn't want to move. Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and Auditor Crit Luallen have bitterly disappointed supporters by opting out. The happiest man in Kentucky must be Gov. Ernie Fletcher. Only recently given up for doomed by many in his own party, he now may get another chance to run against the same Democratic legacy he defeated last time. The Democrats could turn out to be easier to beat than gallstones. ... This is not just a party issue. ... Kentucky needs the best leadership it can find, not the least the parties can manage.
Amen to that.